The government’s health and safety agency has issued new guidelines after the dramatic Station Hill fire in Reading that saw a worker rescued by a crane operator.
The government’s health and safety agency has released new guidelines following the dramatic Station Hill fire in Reading, where a crane operator heroically rescued a trapped worker.
The fire erupted on November 23, 2023, during construction at the One Station Hill building, requiring a massive response of 50 firefighters and 10 vehicles to control the blaze.
Two individuals received treatment for smoke inhalation at the scene. Although the cause of the fire remains unclear, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) now discourages the use of heat and flames at construction sites to prevent similar incidents.
A HSE spokesperson stated, “The investigation into the fire has concluded, and the construction industry is encouraged to eliminate hot works to reduce fire risks.”
The HSE had initiated an investigation immediately after the fire, with updates expected at a Royal Berkshire Fire Authority meeting in December 2023.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service also explored the circumstances surrounding the incident. Notably, a previous fire occurred at the Station Hill site on July 7, 2023, prompting firefighters to monitor for hotspots after it was extinguished.
These new safety measures come as One Station Hill welcomed tenants earlier this year, including NewFlex, PepsiCo, and PwC, following a successful completion celebration marked by the ‘Party on the Hill’ event on June 21.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
